2012 is a much-discussed year in the two most controversial areas known to man – religion and politics. Regardless of what you believe, you probably are still going to work on your music business. As 2012 is quickly approaching, you probably should set some SMART goals for it.

Photo by Lululemon AthleticaLately, many of the artists that look to this site for support have been getting help on setting their goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Working with these artists, we have run across some repeat goals. It is only right to share them with you.

When you think about what you have done to build your music business today, how confident are you in your efforts being effective?

Hopefully, the things you did today were aligned to your mission of connecting with your fans. If not, we have more work to do that you know.

It is amazing how many artists are not building programs to convert new fans.

Today, I want to introduce a concept that I do not see addressed when folks provide advice to artists – fan conversion.

It may not seem like a groundbreaking idea, but I rarely see people putting in the time and effort to really create engagement experiences that are designed to turn a passive listener into an avid fan.

If you think these statements are annoying because you believe the music should do the converting, then you can leave now. Best wishes on your magical music saving your career.

This is serious. You know that you need fans to survive. Fans pay the bills.

It is amazing how many artists are not building programs to convert new fans.

One-off campaigns do not count either. Fan acquisition needs to be a round-the-clock affair.

There comes a time where you have to address the elephant in the room.

It has to be said. Musicians suck as bosses.

photo by tiarescott

Some rap artists would have you believe they are the very definition of “boss.”

That is the greatest fallacy ever put to record in quite some time.

Just as companies go through personnel changes, so do bands.

Band members come; band members go.

Managers are here today, gone tomorrow.

It is time musicians come to grips with this, if they ever plan to have a sustainable career.

Without goals and a general plan of action, a business owner cannot expect to succeed.

Independent musicians need to understand that they are inherent business owners.

Therefore, you need to look at your productions as business assets.

You have to understand what value your productions have and to whom.

Artists never seem to think like this. Everything is a gamble.

“If I make it, they will come.” Okay, Robert Redford.

For those that want to stop the insanity, you need to realize where you are failing yourself. It is not because you are not working hard. You are not working intelligently. Here are the biggest holes in your business that are keeping you from progressing.Continue reading 5 Reasons Why Musicians Make The Worst CEOs→